How Heart Health Affects Wound Healing

Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the United States.

Chronic wounds affect approximately 6.7 million people in the United States. If left untreated, chronic wounds can lead to a diminished quality of life and possibly amputation of the affected limb. The cost to treat these wounds exceeds $50 billion annually. While there are several factors that can affect wound healing, heart health is one of the most important.

Coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and other issues with the heart and vessels can cause obstructions that hinder the flow of blood, oxygen and nutrition to the wound. Cholesterol, diabetes, stroke and high blood pressure can also affect the health of your heart.

Coronary artery disease, also known as ischemia, is when plaque grows within the walls of the coronary arteries until the blood flow to the heart is limited. Peripheral arterial disease is a condition that develops when the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, arms and legs become completely or partially blocked as a result of atherosclerosis.

To avoid these conditions, it is important to keep your heart healthy. The Franciscan St Elizabeth Health Advanced Wound Care & Hyperbaric Medicine Center® offers the following tips to live a heart healthy life.

Live an active lifestyle with 30 minutes of exercise on most days.

Don’t smoke or use tobacco of any kind as it is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease.

Eat a diet that is heart-healthy. This includes lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans and other low-fat sources of protein.

Maintain a healthy weight. Obesity can lead to high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. All of these chronic conditions can lead to heart disease.

Ensure you get quality sleep by making it a priority in your life. Most adults need seven to nine hours of sleep each night.

Manage your stress in a healthy way with positive self-talk, using stress stoppers, doing things you enjoy, and relaxing on a regular basis.

See your healthcare provider for regular screenings. This includes blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes screenings.

For more information about how your heart health can affect wound healing, contact the

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Nurse practitioners (NP) are advanced practice registered nurses that manage acute and chronic medical conditions, both physical and mental, through history and physical exam and the ordering of diagnostic tests and medical treatments. NPs are qualified to diagnose medical problems, order treatments, perform advanced procedures, prescribe medications, and make referrals for a wide range of acute and chronic medical conditions within their scope of practice. Their education includes a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) or other undergraduate degree, and requires a license as a registered nurse (RN) and experience as an RN in a health care setting. They must graduate from an accredited graduate (MSN) or doctoral (DNP) program and achieve a board certification.

Physician assistants (PA) typically obtain medical histories, perform examinations and procedures, order treatments, diagnose diseases, prescribe medication, order and interpret diagnostic tests, refer patients to specialists as required, and first or second-assist in surgery. Their education includes a bachelor’s degree, extensive clinical training from an accredited PA program and they must obtain a license to practice as a physician assistant.